Here & Now 5K Calendar
3.1 miles. One destination. No hurry.
A 5K doesn’t have to be something you race. It can be an invitation to slow down, walk through a new place, notice what is around you, and experience a destination at the pace of a human being.
This is our curated starting list of 5K events that look especially interesting for walkers and travelers. We link to the race organizer for registration and current details. Dates, prices, and availability can change, so check the official event page before making plans.
September 2026
San Antonio, Texas — World Heritage Festival Tour de las Misiones
September 12, 2026 · 5K Walk
Why go: This is exactly the kind of event we have in mind: a no-pressure 5K walk through the Mission Reach, Mission San José and the historic south side of San Antonio. The event says there are no timing chips and encourages participants to enjoy the sights and sounds at their own pace.
View event details and registration →
San Antonio, Texas — Run For Thy Neighbor 5K
September 26, 2026 · 5K Walk Only
Why go: A scenic Mission Reach event where walking is explicitly part of the experience. A dedicated walk-only registration is available, making this a particularly good fit for the Here & Now 5K idea.
View event details and registration →
San Antonio, Texas — Race for the Rescues 5K Run/Walk
September 26, 2026 · 5K Run/Walk
Why go: A community-focused 5K with a different kind of travel companion: dogs. A fun option if you want a lighter, more social race experience.
View event details and registration →
October 2026
Washington, DC — Friends of the National Arboretum Fall 5K
October 31, 2026 · 5K Run/Walk
Why go: A Halloween morning walk through the National Arboretum, followed by a fall festival with a costume contest and family activities. This one has strong Here & Now potential: trees, fall color, quiet paths and a city worth exploring before and after the event.
View event details and registration →
National Harbor, Maryland — Hot Cider Hustle
October 31, 2026 · 5K Run/Walk or Untimed 5K
Why go: An intentionally fun destination event with a walk option and an untimed 5K. The event includes hot apple cider and a finisher mug, and National Harbor puts you on the Potomac within easy reach of Washington, DC.
View event details and registration →
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Southwest Center City 5K
October 31, 2026 · 5K Run/Walk
Why go: A neighborhood-focused Halloween morning walk through Southwest Center City. Philadelphia is also an outstanding city for extending the 5K into a full weekend of walking, food and history.
View event details and registration →
Fort Worth, Texas — World Airline Road Race 5K
October 4, 2026 · 5K
Why go: A local option with one especially important detail for walkers: the organizers state that there is no time limit for the 5K. That makes this an easy entry point if you want to try the Here & Now approach close to home.
November 2026
New Orleans, Louisiana — Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
November 1, 2026 · 5K Run & Walk
Why go: A meaningful Run & Walk supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, paired with one of America’s great cities for exploring on foot. Make the race the anchor for a weekend of slow walks, neighborhoods, food and music.
View event details and registration →
New Orleans, Louisiana — Running for the HEART 5K
November 7, 2026 · 5K Run/Walk/Bike
Why go: Walkers have their own start at 8:15 a.m., with the course beginning at Bayou St. John. The event combines movement, community and a cause supporting heart-health education for girls.
View event details and registration →
December 2026
Austin, Texas — Cougar Chase 5K Run/Walk
December 5, 2026 · 5K Run/Walk
Why go: A low-cost Austin option that gives us an excuse to spend a December weekend walking one of Texas’s most interesting cities.
View event details and registration →
Mineral Wells, Texas — Frosty 5K
December 12, 2026 · 5K Run/Walk
Why go: A festive downtown Mineral Wells morning with hot cocoa afterward. This could make a fun small-town Texas Here & Now story.
View event details and registration →
San Antonio, Texas — Morgan’s Snowball Run, Walk, Roll, or Stroll
December 19, 2026 · 5K
Why go: A holiday event centered on inclusion at Morgan’s Wonderland. The event offers a range of participation divisions and a festive morning of music, activities and vendors.
View event details and registration →
How to use this calendar
We’re looking for races that give us a reason to travel, walk and pay attention. Some are chosen because walking is explicitly welcomed. Others are here because the destination itself is worth slowing down for.
Our rule: Don’t worry about your pace. Walk the 3.1 miles. Look around. Talk to someone. Stay awhile.
We’ll keep adding interesting events as we find them—and eventually we’ll share the walks we actually experience ourselves.
